Loving the Unloved and Getting Love Back

As many know, my health has not been good at all for a couple weeks. I had had symptoms for several months, but the last couple weeks it has taken a turn and gotten worse. I have pushed and pushed in order to go meet with the homeless and not let anything stand in the way. I love these people and didn't want them to think that we had forgotten them. I finally ended up having to stand back and just rest. I couldn't push any longer.
We had a surprise phone call from one of the homeless men. He had heard about my health and wanted to find out what was going on. From that point on, he has shared with others on the street about my health and continued to make phone calls to check up on me. When Mike would go out on the streets, different ones would come up and ask how I was doing. I have been overwhelmed with the love they have been giving me. It has meant the world to me that we can see that our relationships with them have been real on both sides. They care for us just as we care for them.
I encourage you to invest in people's lives whether they are exactly like you or not, whether they smell good or not, whether they have a home or not, and whether they believe the same as you or not. People need people. People need love. People need compassion.
What an awesome gift to give someone in being a true friend. Don't put your nose up to somebody just because they are different from you. They may be a gift from God for you to learn from, someone that ends up being your supporter when you have nobody else. Show God's love to them. Show them His patience, His understanding, His grace, His support. You never know what might happen. I know I have been surprised. I love His gift of these people He has brought into our lives. Reach out and be a friend today. I friend to a coworker, a friend to a family member, a friend to that homeless person you pass every day. Be a friend and you just might be surprised at what you get in return. You may not see the results today. It may take awhile, but it will be worth it. You never know how God is working and what He will give you just when you need it.